I'm sorry you're going through this - it's really tough being stuck between staying healthy and paying bills. One thing you might want to check is whether your state has any emergency assistance programs through HHSC (Health and Human Services). They sometimes have one-time emergency funds for situations like this. Also, some food banks and community organizations have utility assistance programs that could help stretch your savings while you recover. It's not unemployment, but every little bit helps when you're missing two weeks of pay. Hope you feel better soon!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - just got over COVID myself last week. One thing that helped me was reaching out to 211 (you can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org). They have a database of local resources including emergency financial assistance, utility help, and food programs. Some churches and nonprofits in Texas also have hardship funds specifically for people who miss work due to illness. It's worth making a few calls while you're recovering. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to get documentation from your doctor about your isolation period - some employers are more understanding when they see official medical documentation, and it might help if you need to apply for any local assistance programs. Hang in there!

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I ended up using Claimyr to get through to TWC this morning (worked like a charm), and the agent confirmed there was a mistake in my file. Apparently my employer coded my separation incorrectly, making it look like I was receiving ongoing payments. The agent documented everything and said they'd be sending a new determination letter within 10 business days. She also suggested I contact my former employer's HR to ask them to submit a correction, which I did right after the call. I'll keep updating my payment requests and hopefully this will all be sorted soon. For anyone else facing similar issues - document EVERYTHING and be persistent!

This is such a frustrating situation but you're definitely not alone! I went through something similar last year where my employer told TWC I was still employed part-time when I had actually been completely laid off. A few things that helped me: 1. Keep detailed records of EVERY interaction - dates, times, names if you get them, reference numbers, etc. This becomes crucial if you need to escalate. 2. The appeal route mentioned by others is really effective. Even without an official determination letter, you can submit documentation contradicting your employer's claims through the portal. 3. Don't give up on the callbacks - I know it's maddening but sometimes they do come through. I waited 5 weeks for mine but it finally happened. 4. If you're comfortable doing so, definitely reach out to your former employer's HR. In many cases it's just a clerical error on their end and they can submit a correction quickly. Stay persistent and keep filing those payment requests! Once this gets resolved you should receive retroactive payments for all the weeks you were eligible. Sending you good vibes that this gets sorted out soon! 🤞

Great news! Glad you were able to confirm they have everything they need. Now you can at least have some peace of mind while waiting for the next step. Keep us posted on how your hearing goes!

That's such a relief that you got through and confirmed everything is on track! The waiting is definitely the hardest part. I'm dealing with a similar misconduct claim right now (employer said I was "insubordinate" when I questioned unsafe working conditions) and I'm about 2 weeks into my appeal wait. Reading everyone's experiences here has been really helpful - especially knowing to keep doing the payment requests even while waiting. Good luck with your hearing when it comes up!

Awesome news on the approval! 🎉 Your story gives me hope - I have my hearing next Tuesday and my former employer has been completely silent through this whole process. They haven't submitted any counter-evidence or even responded to TWC's requests for information. I'm hoping that means they won't put up much of a fight during the actual hearing either. Did you get your back payments deposited right away or did it take a few more days after getting the determination letter?

Congratulations on winning your appeal! Your preparation really paid off. It's so satisfying when you come armed with all the right documentation and the employer basically gives up without even trying to defend their position. I've been through a similar situation where my former employer contested my unemployment but then couldn't be bothered to actually participate meaningfully in the hearing. The fact that they showed up late and didn't ask any questions definitely works in your favor - it shows they weren't taking the process seriously. And you're absolutely right about these hearings being nerve-wracking but not as scary as we build them up to be. Having all your evidence organized ahead of time is really the key. Congrats on the new job too - sounds like everything worked out for the best!

Good luck with the Combined Wage Claim! Just wanted to add that while you're waiting for TWC's decision, you might want to check if you qualify for any local assistance programs in your area - food banks, rental assistance, utility help, etc. Many communities have emergency aid programs that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for benefit determinations. Also, some staffing agencies pay weekly and can get you working quickly if you need immediate income. Hope it works out for you!

Also wanted to mention that while you're waiting on the Combined Wage Claim decision, you should check if any of those other states where you worked have their own unemployment programs you might qualify for independently. Sometimes people overlook this option. Each state has different base period calculations and wage requirements, so even if the combined claim doesn't work out, you might still have qualifying wages in one of the individual states where you had W-2 work. It's worth calling their unemployment offices directly to ask about your options. The worst they can say is no, but you might discover you have more avenues than you thought!